Training
Essential elements of contemporary policing must be incorporated in all academies, in-service, and field training. These elements include procedural justice, de-escalation, active bystandership, respect for all persons, sanctity of life, value of diversity, fair and impartial policing, and interpersonal and communication skills. To ensure that trainees understand and can implement these elements, the time spent…
MORE ▸The impact of all training on policing outcomes should be evaluated, including for possible disparate impact.
MORE ▸Field training officer (FTO) training, selection, assignment, and impact should be reviewed to ensure alignment with organizational values and culture. Differences between academy training and guidance provided by FTOs should be analyzed, including observational analysis and surveys of attitudinal and other possible changes before and after the academy, and after field training. Officers with founded…
MORE ▸Training curricula that support law enforcement agency organizational and cultural goals and values, as defined by agency leadership and the community, should be developed and delivered. Trainers and the curriculum should be certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST) National Certification Program (NCP). Training curricula that support law…
MORE ▸Recognizing that alternatives to police-response models cannot be implemented immediately or in all places, agencies should implement current best training practices in de-escalation techniques, addressing substance-use disorders, responding to mental health crises, and recognizing and responding to people with physical and developmental disabilities.
MORE ▸State training and certification requirements for new and current officers (including in-service training and continuing education) should be re-examined to ensure an emphasis on community safety and a spirit of service.
MORE ▸Law enforcement agencies should move away from an aggressive, control-oriented model of policing and towards a culture of community safety and service. This will require a review of community needs and the goals, policies, strategies, and performance metrics within each agency to ensure alignment with a safety and service model.
MORE ▸Video footage from body-worn cameras should be used to investigate community complaints of alleged officer misconduct and in training to help prevent misconduct and to support skills regarding procedural justice and de-escalation techniques. Periodic, random monitoring of routine interactions should be performed in a continuous learning framework to improve and highlight positive interactions.
MORE ▸To reduce negative interactions and potentially coercive situations, officers should receive training on using principles of procedural justice in traffic stops. Training should include skills in active listening, neutral and transparent decision-making, and demonstrating dignity and respect toward community members. Signed consent forms should be required prior to voluntary vehicle searches.
MORE ▸Officers and supervisors must receive regular training to ensure that pedestrian stops are performed in a way that is constitutional, respectful, effective, and not overused.
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